Emergency services at the South Okanagan General Hospital (IH) in Oliver will be unavailable for 14 straight hours starting Friday evening, Oct. 4, Interior Health says.

A doctor shortage will force the hospital's emergency department to close its doors from 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, to 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Patients can access care at the Penticton Regional Hospital during this time, the regional health authority added.

Oliver's emergency room has been plagued with closures since 2023. Doctor shortages have led to more than 20 service interruptions at the local department since June 2024.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal on Friday night at South Okanagan General Hospital, IH said.

People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.